Side-by-Side Dragster Race
About this experience
Channel your inner speed demon and experience the thrill of racing against other drivers on the Gainesville Raceway during this Side-by-Side Dragster Race!
No Expiration
DatesFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
What's Included
- Learn to drag race with a professional instructor, Frank Hawley who has been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
- Before getting behind the wheel, you will receive classroom, in-car, and on-track instruction
- After 3 warm up runs, race against other driver's in a tournament style competition
- Fulfill your need for speed with this adrenaline-pumping Side-by-Side Dragster Race!
What happens on the day
Enjoy the excitement of flying down the Gainesville Raceway and hitting top speeds during this Side-by-Side Dragster Race!
Begin your day with classroom, in-car, and on-track instruction from Frank Hawley and his staff. Then, move on to the driving portion where you will start with a 1/8-mile warm up run followed by 2 quarter-mile runs. These will be single runs with no competition to properly prepare you for the racing challenge. After completing the first half of the day and proving that you can properly perform full quarter-mile runs, it will finally be time to get behind the wheel and race against other drivers!
Make no mistake about it, this is a real race! Drivers will attend a meeting where they will receive further instruction and tips on how to get quicker reaction times and more detail on the functions of the timing system. You will then compete in a tournament style elimination just like the professional drivers. The more times that you win, the more runs you get to make!
Come out and compete against other drivers for the chance to earn bragging rights and be crowned champion during this once-in-a-lifetime Side-by-Side Dragster Race!
Gainesville Raceway: Gainesville Raceway opened in 1969 and is famous for hosting the NHRA's Gatornationals event since 1970. The raceway is a quarter-mile dragstrip just outside Gainesville, Florida.
Location
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
Availability
When Do I Choose A Date?
Either yourself or the lucky recipient can make a booking and select dates once you are in receipt of the voucher. You’ll register the voucher, follow the booking instructions, and your experience with us begins!
Select Dates Only:
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
April 3, 2026
December 4, 2026
*Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School visits different dragstrips throughout the year, with each visit lasting only one exhilarating day. For the best availability, we recommend redeeming and booking your experience as soon as possible.
Important Details
Essential Information
- Helmets, collar, gloves, arm restraints, and racing suits will be provided
- Included in the price is a liability reduction fee, decreasing your liability for accidental damage from $5,000 to $1,000
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license
- Not recommended for participants exceeding 6'5"
- Participants cannot exceed 300 pounds
- Parking is available at the track at no charge
- Drivers must demonstrate proper skills and judgment to advance from the practice runs to the competitive runs
Duration
Experience Provider Info
Maximum Participants
Spectators
Weather Dependent
What to Wear
FAQs
Are there any age requirements?
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid state driver's license.
Are there any height or weight restrictions?
You must be less than 6'5" and must not exceed 300 pounds. Also, participants must be able to bring their knee up to their chest, so that they are able to climb in and out of the dragster.
How many runs will I get to make?
Starting in the morning, each driver will get 3 runs. The first will be a half track run (1/8 mile) and the next 2 runs will be full runs (1/4 mile). If drivers demonstrate proper skill and judgment during this portion of the day, you will move on to the racing portion. The amount of runs you make during the racing portion depends on how good you are. If you continue to beat your opponent, you get to continue making runs at no additional cost until you either win the entire competition or lose a race.
What should I bring to the track?
All drivers will need to bring a valid state driver's license. It is recommended to bring a cooler with food and drinks for yourself and guests as there is no food or drink available at the race track.
Can I bring any guests?
Yes, there will be a viewing area at the track where guests can watch the action, however no guests will be allowed in the classroom or restricted areas of the raceway.
What happens if I damage the dragster?
Included in the price of this experience is liability reduction. Your liability for accidental damage to the race cars that will be driven at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School is reduced from $5,000 to $1,000 with this included liability reduction fee.
Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations
Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 14 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Gifts.
Cancellation Policy
Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, you will be charged a $50 fee for rescheduling or canceling a class if you do so more than 30 days prior to the class date. After that time there will be no refund.
